The Hill reported that the Senate reintroduced a bipartisan antitrust reform bill aimed at addressing the influence of large tech companies.
The American Innovation and Choice Online Act, led by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley, seeks to prohibit dominant technology platforms from favoring their own products and services over those of their competitors.
The bill was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in the previous session but did not receive a floor vote before the end of the year. Despite having support from both parties, it also faced opposition from lawmakers and a strong lobbying effort from the tech industry.
Read more: Big Tech Companies & Regulation Advocates Clash In Congress
“It’spast time to put in place rules of the road to give small businesses and entrepreneurs a chance to compete and bring down costs for all consumers who rely on digital platforms. I won’t stop fighting to get this done,” Klobuchar said in a statement.
Grassley said the bill would “help create a more even playing field” and “ensure that small businesses are able to compete with these platforms and promote an environment for greater consumer choice.”
The bill has been reintroduced in the Senate, but its chances of passing in the House are uncertain.
